Interpretive Summary: This manuscript is a review of techniques used for isolation, identification and detection of Phytophthora species from environmental samples. Traditional isolation techniques from plant tissue, soil and water are reviewed. The evolutionary relationships within the genus are discussed and put into context with traditional taxonomic classifications. Approaches for species identification based on morphological features are presented along with techniques on how to do this to get consistent results. A table comparing morphological features of all species is presented to facilitate species identification. Molecular techniques for species identification and population analysis are reviewed with the advantages/disadvantages of each discussed. A comprehensive review of the literature on molecular detection of Phytophthora species using polymerase chain reaction techniques (conventional and real time) is presented and the use of "next generation" techniques for simplified detection discussed.

Technical Abstract:
This manuscript is a review of techniques used for isolation, identification and detection of Phytophthora species from environmental samples. Traditional isolation techniques from plant tissue, soil and water are reviewed. The evolutionary relationships within the genus are discussed and put into context with traditional taxonomic classifications. Approaches for species identification based on morphological features are presented along with techniques on how to do this to get consistent results. A table comparing morphological features of all species is presented to facilitate species identification. Molecular techniques for species identification and population analysis are reviewed with the advantages/disadvantages of each discussed. A comprehensive review of the literature on molecular detection of Phytophthora species using polymerase chain reaction techniques (conventional and real time) is presented and the use of "next generation" techniques for simplified detection discussed.